His secretary

point

rooms and power battles. I squinted and looked at the clock. Though I slept hardly, the thrill of my new w

t and a black skirt I thought would be professional. Applying a little bit of

rmeated the room, as clicking keyboards and ringing phones filled it. I inhaled deeply,

uld be here shortly. From the files to the coffee pot, I arranged my workstation s

tice. His hair was exactly groomed and he wore a custom navy suit that h

voice confident and fluid. "I assum

id, smiling forcedly. "I'm s

he board meeting today. I want it on my desk b

noting things dow

hey have to show their revised plan, he said, looking

ve already. "I will look

wn on me. I wanted to wow him, prove I could meet the rigou

agenda. He was on the phone, his voice low and forcef

s. We have to go ahead, he said with u

hanged. You are here, Emily. Goo

him the folder. "I also set Thursday

kimming the paper. "You

of pride as I said. "I jus

ainment in his eyes. "Keeping up is only

hing softer, almost vulnerable and drive. I pondered what mi

mmanded its presence. His voice was forceful, and his approach of presenting his ideas eliminated any possibilit

ian inquired, looking about the room. The board membe

oud. He was a force to be reckoned with, an

he conference as the board members filed out

Of course, Julian

nvestors something. It must be slick and busi

r to impress myself "I'

I will be in my office; then

ls. This was my opportunity to highlight my abilities, but pressure was building. T

The office was quieting down, and I appreciated the privacy. My phon

visit my w

hen headed toward his office. I started to

d, "Com

w gazing out at the metropolitan skyline. Th

to face me. "I wanted to ta

, "Sure, I have some data on our recent

t to discuss something

nding, "What i

rd. But you have to realize that this employment c

in cool, "I understand." "

r the difficulties ahead. This sector is merciless, h

ling myself with the clarity of voic

hen resolved to knock on his door. He urged, "Come in." He was at his desk reading papers when I opened the door. Startled, I said, "You're still here?" Looking up, he said, "I have a lot to catch up on." What about you? With my folder held up, I added, "I just finished the presentation." "I wanted to be sure it lived up to your expectations." "Let's have a look," he motioned for me to seat. I experienced the usual surge of anxiety when I showed my work. Julian studied my slides carefully, his face austere. After a few minutes, he added, "This is impressive, Emily." "You have done rather good research." "Thank you," I replied, a surge of pride swelling through me. I wanted it to be exhaustive. Leaning back in his chair, he had a reflective look. " You know, you have promise. You seem to have great prom